The Best 36" Induction Cooktops 2018

Cooking has always had an element of magic to it and as the recipes and techniques we use become more complex so, too, do the appliances. Innovations in cooking technology have made what was once seemingly science-fiction into everyday reality. One example of such advancement is induction cooktop technology. What once was considered a novel idea in the early 1900's, induction technology first garnered practical implementation only 30-40 years ago. Now, its soaring rise in popularity is due to several contributing factors. Induction technology utilizes an electromagnetic coil to transfer energy to cookware. This process minimizes heat loss leading to lower pre-heat times, faster cooking of dishes, and less wasted heat warming up the kitchen. Energy efficiency has become a major trend in appliances and induction technology is nearly 30% more efficient than its traditional gas cooktop counterparts. Additionally, the smooth surfaces of induction cooktops don't heat up and are easy to clean, making them particularly attractive to families with small children and multi-taskers.

Whether you're redesigning your kitchen, replacing an old cooktop, or looking to make the switch to a cooktop/wall oven configuration, Appliances Connection has the tools to aide you in your search. Below we've gathered the five best 36" induction cooktops of 2018 and highlighted some of the innovative features that make each premium model special. As always, for more information on appliances, furniture, and home design, be sure to check out the other informative articles on the Learning Center. Let us know what you think of our top picks by reaching out on our Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram!

Jenn-Air was originally known for the invention of the first self-ventilation downdraft range and has become a mainstay in the premium appliance market. This 36" Electric Induction Smoothtop Style Cooktop features four heating elements and comes in stainless-steel. The cooktop is equipped with built-in downdraft ventilation that captures smoke, steam, and odors at the cooking surface. The advanced sensors integrated in this model detect your cookware before enabling an element. Removal of cookware causes the elements to automatically shut off. The performance boost feature raises the cooking temperature above the highest settings for a period of time to quickly heat cookware, boil liquids, and provide perfect meat searing heat. The flexible induction elements are both efficient and versatile as they can accommodate cookware of various sizes and can be bridged to heat even your largest dishes. The downdraft system is designed with two fan speed settings and 350 CFM blower capacity, ensuring rapid and efficient ventilation.

Viking appliances have long been at the forefront of innovation and bring a luxurious, professional feel to any modern kitchen. This 5 Series 36" Induction Smoothtop Style Cooktop features six 9" MagneQuick heating elements, all capable of up to 3,700 watts of power. The durable, wear resistant TransMetallic Ceramic Surface is illuminated by the brilliant blue CoolLit LED Lights, making this cooktop one of the most stylish models available. The elite power management system coupled with the ability to adjust temperatures instantly result in an efficient cooktop that's both versatile and powerful when needed. This carefully engineered cooktop remains cooler while cooking and is less prone to food sticking on spill-overs, making it remarkably easy to clean. The simmer setting offers extra-low heat for gentle melting or keeping cooked food warm. In addition to the advanced cooking functions offered, this cooktop was designed with user safety in mind. The cooktop features a hot surface indicator with element lights signifying hot surfaces and active heating elements. The metal knobs are push-to-turn for safe use and sensors turn off heating elements if cookware is not detected for 60 seconds.

Dacor merges innovative technology and refined elegance to create ultra-premium appliances in every category. This Modernist Series 36" Electric Induction Smoothtop Style Cooktop features 9 elements ranging from 1800W to 4800W of power. Equipped with Flex Zone technology, this cooktop's large open area offers unmatched flexibility for cooking multiple dishes at once. Dacor included intuitive LED light that displays beautiful Virtual Flames to provide an attractive and helpful visual cue that the heat is on. A convenient LCD control panel allows for easy access to cooktop functions, temperature settings, and pre-programmed recipes. Need to step away from the cooktop for a moment? Dacor's iQ kitchen app lets you monitor the cooktop functions remotely using your smartphone. Cook large quantities of food faster with the Power Boost function which increases the induction element power. Also equipped with a child lock, this model prevents the accidental adjustment of controls. With up to 9 cooking zones, you can configure this cooktop to accommodate small pans and large cookware without sacrificing power or efficiency.

Wolf has been an industry leader for several decades and focuses on high-performance, professional quality cooking appliances. This 36" Electric Induction Smoothtop Style Cooktop features 5 elements for plenty of space to cook multiple dishes at once. The very low heat settings on the elements provide consistent all-day simmering and allow for confident preparation of delicate dishes. Built-in cookware sensing ensures elements will not be energized without induction-compatible pans being present. Wolf's exclusive Hi-Power mode boosts power to the elements enabling high-heat cooking functions for any recipe that calls for it. Enjoy complete control with the brilliant illuminated touch control panel which is easy to read and easy to use when choosing cooking functions. The cooktop offers instant temperature response to element heat controls with a 40% faster response than gas or electric models. The beautiful Ceran glass-ceramic surface is scratch resistant and allows for easy cleaning. While the cooking surface is still hot, indicators on the cooktop help you to avoid accidents.

Thermador produces professional quality, luxury kitchen appliances for discerning home cooks. This Masterpiece Series 36" Electric Induction Smoothtop Style Cooktop features five elements for a flexible cooking experience. The 13" center element is the largest on the market and provides 40% more usable cooking area than other models. The Triple Zone elements only activate the heating area directly contacting pots and pans so different sized cookware is heated efficiently. The exclusive PowerBoost feature heats cookware more rapidly than any other cooking technology. The convenient auto shut-off timer enables the user to set desired cooking times for any recipe. The patented Anti-Overflow System shuts off relevant heating elements and sounds an alarm in the event of liquid being detected on the user interface. Advanced sensors offer sensitive pan recognition which prevents elements from turning on if other small objects occupy the cooking zone. Enjoy intuitive and precise control with the blue light illuminated touch control panel programmed with 17 power settings.